Amazing Species: Mangrove Finch
© Michael Dvorak
Amazing Species: Mangrove Finch The Mangrove Finch, Camarhynchus heliobates, is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. It is found in only two small areas of mangrove forest on Isabela Island, part of the Galápagos Island archipelago, Ecuador, in an area of just 30 hectares. It is one of the most range restricted birds in the world and the rarest of “Darwin`s finches”. Geographical range
Knowledge Experts Action Get Involved
There are less than 100 individuals and around 20 breeding pairs. Original causes of decline over the last century were attributed to introduced rats and habitat changes. The protection of the mangrove forests in the Galapagos National Park means its habitat is safe and rats are now controlled. However, an introduced and invasive bot fly still causes high nesting mortality. Conservation projects to increase the range of the Mangrove Finch have been undertaken, including a trial reintroduction. Populations could be increased by incubating early laid eggs and hand rearing chicks. Control methods for the invasive bot fly need to be developed and rat control and habitat protection continued. Extensive surveying would also help to determine if further populations exist. The production of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is made possible through the IUCN Red List Partnership.
Amazing Species: Mangrove Finch The Mangrove Finch, Camarhynchus heliobates, is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. It is found in only two small areas of mangrove forest on Isabela Island, part of the Galápagos Island archipelago, Ecuador, in an area of just 30 hectares. It is one of the most range restricted birds in the world and the rarest of “Darwin`s finches”. Geographical range
Knowledge Experts Action Get Involved
There are less than 100 individuals and around 20 breeding pairs. Original causes of decline over the last century were attributed to introduced rats and habitat changes. The protection of the mangrove forests in the Galapagos National Park means its habitat is safe and rats are now controlled. However, an introduced and invasive bot fly still causes high nesting mortality. Conservation projects to increase the range of the Mangrove Finch have been undertaken, including a trial reintroduction. Populations could be increased by incubating early laid eggs and hand rearing chicks. Control methods for the invasive bot fly need to be developed and rat control and habitat protection continued. Extensive surveying would also help to determine if further populations exist. The production of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is made possible through the IUCN Red List Partnership.
